CNN

redneck- how do you plan on forcing your views on Obama (i.e. make him gut our military)? you DO know Obama's TS will be a REPUBLICAN, his DS will be a REPUBLICAN, his ENVIRONMENTAL SECRETARY WILL BE A REPUBLICAN, his natl security advisory team is made up of REPUBLICANS

so, next time you compare Clinton's or Carter's record on defense, THINK TWICE

REPUBLICANS WILL RUN DEFENSE IN AN Obama Administration

Godspeed, President-elect!

I'm sure there is much to hide and Gates has to determine if there will be criminal charges brought when the illegal activities are revealed.

"tell Gates if he has reason to not talk to individuals in the Obama team with him to spell out the reasons right then and there."

The reason is that unless the transition team members have adjudicated clearances granting access to SCI, Gates could go to jail for disclosing SCI material. The Bush team actually fast-tracked security investigations for Obama's people.

Chuckles... Check your facts. Gates did not dodge the draft. He went into CIA out of college, was drafted into the Air Force while in CIA and returned to Langley after he finished his service.

look here dimwits, 9/11 happened on g.w.'s watch. a 9/11 commision settled that. we elected a baboon 8 years ago, that has lied numerous times, and yet you keep thinking that these are the best of times. i served my time in the service, and under bill clinton the military did not starve or go without. government contracts were just as bloated as they are now. the military went down hill during veitnam, it may have started with kennedy, but it ended under nixon. remember nixon was not a crook. if i remember right it was cheaney that leaked the name of a cia agent, cheaney is republican right? if the military had secrets to keep from anyone it would be bush right, you can't trust a chimp with a secret. limbaugh failed to brain wash america, but to those of you who can't tie your shoes without the incredible insight of limbaugh, keep listening to him you are in an ever shrinking crowd.

chuckles199 you really are a moron. Biden was disqualified for asthma. But Cheney wasn't.

And STILL found a way to serve his country.

Fire Secretary Gates and the President's entire staff of military lap dogs. Beg the proven warrior General (ret) Eric Shinsecki to become Sec Def – he tells the truth.

Every Countries "Top Defence", Is "Private Business. It belong's to the Private Companies, and their Share Holders.... Not any Government.... So Why Obama?????????????

GET WES CLARK IN THERE!!!!!!! HE IS THE BEST QUALIFIED AND NEVER SUPPORTED THE STUPID WAR IN IRAQ!!!!!!!!!!

he needs to get rid of gates and put wesley clark in as sec. of defense, at least he didn't support the invasion of iraq. just like barack! i will be sorely disappointed if barack does not consider him.

GRIT – when mom reads to you make certain she gets the name right, beau biden is joe's son.

joe biden the VP is a five time darft dodger for vietnam.

who took JOE BIDEN'S place in vietnam?
get out of mom's basement every now and then.
you ar ethe moron because to don't pay attention when mommy reads to you.

Gates needs to get grip because Obama plans to gut our military just like Clinton did!

So much for change in this formative new administration. Who's running in 2012 now? Can't wait for the media to descend on the next set of primaries....

I don't think sensitive information should be given to the transition team, only to Obama himself.

dennis: gates is not a republican. anybody who is informed knows that.

chuck hagel is not qualified to be a dishwasher.
senators anytime they are put in an executive position are qickly exposed.

what qualification did mccain, obama or biden have for executive jobs? being yakkers in the senate who have never run anything, they have not even been leaders in the senseless senate.
biden in senate almost 4o years and still a back bencher. the problem is low IQ!

the senate should be closed permannetly!

To all of the ignorant right wing tools on this board who say Democrats can't keep secrets. Who outed an undercover CIA operative named Valerie Plame? HMMMMMMMMM Bush and Cheney

It would be a real coup if Presidnet-elect Obama could persuade Robert Gates to remain as SecDef. He is seasoned, reasoned and highly respected by our military and Congress. He also happens to be a Republican (I'm a Democrat) and it would be a great gesture to bi-partisanship. President Obama would then know the "Puzzle Palace" is in good hands and could focus his attention on some of the other immediately pressing matters.

bevsnow, you think Bush told the truth? Who's calling whom an idiot?

Next Year, it will be 70yrs since Poland was Invaded, It'tooks decades to get it Back.. This time you had better keep and Eye on Russia...

Chuckles 199 –

We don't have the draft anymore, so Beau Biden couldn't dodge it. Moron. Grow up.

It was on George Bush's watch that 9/11 happened. He did not and has not defended this country. He is a seditious, traitorous coward as is his vice president.

The first thing that should happen on January 20th after the swearing in of Barack Obama should be the immediate arrest of Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld, Powell, Wolfowitz (sp?, Pearle, Gonzales, Rove for war crimes and treason.

Maybe we should keep Gitmo open just for those scum.

Of course they won't disclose the so called "sensitive information." They have to have time to prime the document shredders to cover their behinds so they and the president won't end in the International Court of Justice for war crimes.

Nothing wrong or sinster about not giving access to people who are not cleared to see it. Its Public Law and United States Code that prevents that. It has nothing to do with who's in charge, Dem or Rep, Lib or Conservative, black, white, asian, hispanic, man, woman or other. Its simply the LAW!

Does anyone actually know what goes into a SCI clearance? It is a pretty extensive investigation. Gates would be breaking the law if he disclosed information to people without proper clearances. If that is what this is about, he is doing the right thing.

All you armchair politicians think you know so much about security...bla bla bla. You don't have a clue to half of what goes on behind the closed doors!! Be thankful information is not being given out willy nilly. And to the nit wit who thinks Bush lied...get a clue. You are so off base. You and Michael Moore.

TEXAS LADY...Why do you raise the question about Democrats NOT keeping secrets? If you have evidence it must be given to NSA NOW! If that's merely a bias on your part. you should be ashamed to make that sort of charge against any political base in America. Such a suggestion, if unwarranted- and you offer not one shred of evidence – is unAmerican and spiteful. Whether coming from a Republican or Democrat it is immature, harmful, and basically despicable.

WOW. It's amazing that this information is being withheld from the incoming administration. So much for Rice and Bush telling us they were working towards an "effortless and seamless" transition. I guess they're all really busy at DoD running the paper shredders. Or maybe still looking for the WMDs. Or maybe hiding all the Halliburton contractor payoff information. Or maybe hiding info about Gitmo etc.

Is he holding back information until people have the appropriate security clearances? If that is the case I have no problem with it.

Al Qaeda's operations are secretive so ours need to be secretive too. If you value freedom, you'll want to bake the TURKEY slowly.

National Security is like baking a turkey. We need to move slower. Econony is like baking a cake. We can move faster and better with known measurements. Good job America! I'm proud!

The DONKEYS have big mouth and I think we need to protect National Security and have Obama go slow with it. We're fighting an ENEMY with no end in sight and it's wise for us to move slower. I understand CHANGE but it has to be the right kind of change. National Security is like BAKING a TURKEY. The economy is like baking a CAKE. There's formulas and you can quickly move, but not with baking a turkey.

Cross your fingers Rob. You may still have a job.

I support this judgement. When it comes to National Security, we need to move slower and wiser. We dont need to SWIFTLY act. It is different from the economy.

Maybe it's just too hard to cover up that 9/11 was mostly a result of Bust admin negligence...

Gates motto: "We will cooperate as long as we don't have tot give them any information that they can use to help run the country.." What that really means is they need to give Cheney enough time to destroy any records that show how the Bush administration lied.

I think Obama should make Chuck Hagel Secretary Of Defence. Gates is as responsible as Bush for Iraq war. He would make obstacles for withdrawl of troops from there.

Do you really think that the Dems can keep ANYTHING secret?

If I were President-elect Obama, I would go to the Pentagon, tell Gates if he has reason to not talk to individuals in the Obama team with him to spell out the reasons right then and there. Otherwise, start talking.

If Gates doesn't start talking, then Obama needs to tell Gates that action will be taken, either before January 20, or after January 20. Gates can choose his poison if he doesn't begin to be forthcoming with the needed information.

This should give them enough time to complete the shredding. Why not hire Fawn Hall, and move things along.

Are they hiding something? I would think to be able to hit the ground running the new administration needs to know what's going on.

So, he is saying that he is saying?
Typical of Bush.

Here we go – so much for the Bush administration being so anxious for a smooth transition. I wonder how many documents and information will be destroyed before Pres. Elect Obama's team can have access. I'm sorry, but Gates should not have any say in what the people's new elected President can or can't have - we did not elect Gates to anything. Time to call our representatives to demand "our" rights.

CHUCK HAGEL FOR SOD!!!!

Today on Dutch TV: in the south of the USA started a pool on
what date Barack Obama wil be killed.

They still think he is a muslim and that every muslim is a terrorist.
Those stupid Americans who are so hatefull do not deserve
a president like Barack Obama.

He is a president for all Americans and he will bring a lot of change
not only in the USA but all over this planet. He will be your most loved and respected president in history.

IF IT'S POSSIBLE, FOR ONCE, KEEP THIS, ONCE IN YOUR LIFE TIME PRESIDENT SAFE!

They're holding out becaue they have so much dirt to cover up; just like they just released the news about our military soldiers in the Nazy camps and how they were starved, beaten, and abused. What did our government and military forces do about it nothing!!!! This is the sick government we are under but always trying to tell another country how to govern its people. Now, isn't that the pot trying to call the kettle black!!!!! America has become a disgrace and laughing stock to many nations; who are nowing saying the great horse has finally fallen.

It is truly incredible to read bloggers comments, who are watching Obama very closely, step by step, with criticism around every corner.

After seeing and living with a president (Bush) in office all these years, it is going to be hard for you all to adjust to someone who is going to do his best to lead this country – you know, be a Real President.

How can you have and expect extremely high expectations and results from Obama so quickly (when he hasn't even begun in office), and after all these years have settled for a 'nothing accomplished' president and don't realize you had?

Quit your criticism and adjust positively.

You people who are saying this is a bad idea to delay information are, no offense, ignorant and uniformed. I for one am actively involved in this world and can tell you that there needs to be a vetting process before you hand over SCI information to people. PERIOD. Doesn't matter who you are, but an Interim Clearance doesn't qualify you for sensitive information.

CNN stop making this sound like something it isn't. It takes time to clear people at the highest level, and for good reason. You have to be selective on what people need to know. I am not trying to be elitist, but I am telling you that not everyone needs all the information. They need to know enough to get their job done.

And besides, it is more for the transition teams protection than anything. If you get "certain" clearances you have a lot of rules you have to follow or risk criminal action if you fail to protect those "said" secrets. Not to mention, it can cramp your lifestyle, your friends, where you travel etc.

Polygraphs also take time too...so please CNN stop making this sound like it is out of the ordinary, because this is very typical for the past 30 years. Sheesh. Give us some REAL news.

Here we go. Get ready for an unfavorable approach to our military situation. Neither man's brains joined together could come up with a bird-brain-sized solution.

Hopefully this meeting includes talks of keeping Gates on boards at Secretary of Defense. He's performed outstanding and has definately been a breath of fresh air!

Basically, you will not come in here in rock the boat. We have been manipulating the American people, and setting up covert operations for World Domination, and a New World Order for almost a century now, and will not tell you who the real puppet master is. We have deep secrets that the new president can't handle, and we can't tell this blackman our secrets, and the truth, because he may not understand, and try to stop us.

Right On, Gates! Way to Go! Good Decision.

In my opinion...

Chuck Hagel for Secretary of Defense

Looks like the Clinton administration is on their way back. I hope it's not all back because in Defense Clinton's ideas really were unsafe. Bill thought Bin Laden was a nobody. Will Obama be naive? Our defense systems must and will stay strong. Bill's time, our CIA and FBI fell at a low that quite frankly few Presidents would allow. Accept reality our country is still sought after – you can't change the hate of the hateful. We always need to stay aware and accept the truth and one truth is our defense system to stay strong and ready to win for the good of freedom.

gates is just another draft dodger.
he should be prosecuted, indicted and jailed.

along with FIVE time draft dodger JOE BIDEN, JR.

What do you expect from an administration run by Cheney (oops, I meant Bush)? They need the time to run the shredder 24/7.

I guess they have a lot to hide!

The term is Ringmaster not conductor and with the mess the "Dubbya-bites" have left him to clean up in Gitmo, President Obama may just have the perfect job for "Joe the Plumber" work on.

Let the draining of that cesspool begin.

You Republicans have doom and gloom since election day, and Barack Obama's not even sworn in as president. Are you people really going to go on like this for the next four to eight years? We're in trusted hands now so groan and moan all you want.

"your comment is waiting moderation"--another words they must make sure we dont say anything bad against the republicans or king george. the media is so in the sack with the republicans even as the republicans call them the liberal media,the media had the dug for the facts and made issue about all the lies and illegal activity that bush has been up to he would have beeen impeached long ago.

Looks like they're not finished doctoring the books. Obama's team will get all the disclosure they're going to get at the last minute, and then they'll be stuck trying to figure out how much of the info is made out of 100% grade-A bullpucky.

Gate replacement has already been found.

An announcement will be made shortly.

he's up to NO GOOD!

Put John Kerry or Chuck Hagel in the secretary of defense position ASAP!

wont it be great to have a president the world doesnt think is a baffoon. we as a nation will be respected again under obama.

So how exactly is the Obama team supposed to be up to speed on January 20th?? Is the Bush Whitehouse suggesting they just wing it??

In a matter of weeks, "Further Guidance" will be disclose everything or get fired as Defense Secretary by the new Commander-in-Chief.

Period.

In other words, don't tell them anything useful. So much for a smooth transition.

Fire Gates!

Hey Pete: Ignorant much????

This is a wise decision. Sensitive information should only be released to those people who have been investigated and granted access.

"Your comment is awaiting moderation." YA WHAT ELSE IS NEW!!!!

I just figured out what Obama would be good at. He will make a great 3-ring circus conductor for the upcoming gitmo detainee trials to be held in the U.S.

Let the clowns begin.

Gates may want to keep as much secret to secure at spot in the new administration. Sometimes it is good to have your hands on powerful information.

Good bipartisan move. Gates has done a credible job.

Gates should refuse participation in the new administration. They will try and blame him for their weakness in defense.

So basically we'll meet with you and tell you anything you want to know except all of the important stuff!!! And anything that might be considered a criminal act by us and the Bush administration! HOW THOUGHTFUL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!

Are you kidding me? This group is not planning to discuss these important matters even with the President-Elect and his top aides?

Wow. If I were President-Elect Obama, I would make it clear to all of these people that they will be held accountable for anything illegal going on that is not discovered until after January 20th.

Delaying bringing the new team upto speed hurts America's readiness and could create a preceived weakness to the rest of the World. This also makes me wonder about what are they may be trying to hide? When Obama does gets into office, I have no doupt he will not let the tail wag the dog.

Excuse me,and just how long do they get to keep all of this information
away from those who have to ready the new administration to govern and deal with what I imagine is a proverbial hornets nest.The clock is ticking as the present adminstration has but sixty-one days left.

With this information being so very sensitive Bush should never had access which led to his abuse of power and now it's being guarded. Please.

I hope Gates hands over the information of the CIA regarding Ets and UFO Top Secret documents,Files and film.
Gates should turn oveer everything to the Obama Transsition team he will be President not Gates .

When do they tell him about area 51!!!! Ha, just kidding.

Great, along with the economy this is so important. I want Barack to get it right. I want America to have more friends in the world, not enemies.

Did you see the video of Bush walking past all the world leaders. They didn't even shake his hand. I felt sorry for him, he was looking down.

It's partly his fault for being such a bully and disgracing our country. We're better than George Bush and we will prove that with President Barack Obama.